Rookie comics get a chance to shine this Saturday. Mike Pyle gets out his joke book

Novice comedians will this weekend line up next to experienced comics and a famous actor turned stand-up.

Bracknell Drama Club is holding a comedy night on Saturday at its base underneath the Charles Square car park. The evening will feature first-time local comedians as well as more established acts and is being compered by former Hollyoaks and Casualty star James Redmond.

Show organiser Andy Meller says: “We decided to do a comedy show a year ago because some of our members wanted to try their hands at stand-up.

“We did one alongside an agency which was helpful because they were able to send some more experienced comedians. It all worked really well – we were able to mix them with our members and local comedians.”

Now the group is doing it again.

“January is usually a quiet month so we thought it would be the best time to do it,” Andy adds.

The group has teamed up with Mirth Control, who will send seasoned comics Alex Vokes, David Roth and Steph Lane.

The night will also feature Russ Powell, Chris Carr, Sarah Archer and Holly Martin – all comedians from the Berkshire and Thames Valley area.

But the real stars of the show will be the members of the club who are performing, including Denise Meller, Lee Edgcombe and Justin East.

“Lee and Denise have done it before,” Andy says. “Lee has had some stand-up training and Denise, my wife, did it at the last comedy night and she went down well.

“But Justin is new to it.”

The show’s host will be James Redmond who played Finn in Hollyoaks and, more recently, John ‘Abs’ Denman in Casualty.

“We’ve had him in before,” said Andy. “He’s very good. He’s more of a storyteller and he works well with the audience and helps the comedians out.

“He’s got a great way of interacting with the audience and really good delivery. I think his manner helps the others to relax.”

- The comedy night will start from 8.30pm on Saturday. Doors open at 7.30pm. The fun takes place at Bracknell Drama Club on the ground floor of the Charles Square Car Park.